A Westward Adventure by Kristy McCaffrey - September #blogabookscene #westernromance #prairierosepubs @prairierosepubs

By Kristy McCaffrey

Blog-a-Book-Scene is a monthly themed blogging endeavor from a group of authors who love to share excerpts from their stories. Find us on Twitter with the hashtag #blogabookscene and #PrairieRosePubs.

September's theme is Critters and Creatures. This excerpt is from A Westward Adventure, a sweet historical western romance novella.

When Amelia rescues a dog, Ned hopes that it will keep her in town permanently.

Excerpt

“What’s that smell?” Ned’s voice startled Amelia from her thoughts. “Are you drinking?”

“No.” She scooped water with a bucket and dumped it over Riggs. “I’m washing him with rum.”

“What on earth for?”

“It’s wonderful for cleansing the hair—I’ve used it myself—and it can defer disease. Riggs was filthy, and I’d wager housing unwanted critters in his fur.”

“Smart, except he’ll smell like he was just at Laramy’s. I’ll bet he needs a double-washing.”

“He’s certainly dirty, but he’s a happy fella.” She let Riggs lick her face. “And maybe just a bit into his cups.”

“Where’d you get the rum?”

“Teddy had a bottle and said I could use it.”

“Do you need help?”

“No. I’m almost done.”

It’s now or never. She shored up her courage, since she had no idea if Ned would be here come morning.

“Ned, I wondered if I might ask you something.” She became breathless as her nerves kicked up a notch.

“Sure.”

She cleared her throat and was glad for the darkness that blanketed them. From where he stood on the back porch, he couldn’t see her hands shake. Setting down the bucket, she buried them into Riggs’ wet, liquor-infused fur.

“I wondered if, well, I wanted to ask you if, well...if you happened to be looking for companionship, then I’d be interested.”

“I beg pardon?” He sounded confused, but it was too late to turn back now.

“I like you, Ned. You’re very handsome, and I’m impressed by your rugged occupation. I don’t think I’m a bad-looking woman, and I’m seeking the company of a man.” She chanced a glance at him and even in the darkness she felt his stillness, his rapt attention on her words. She really had no idea how this was going.

“You want me to court you?” he asked.

“Well, that would be nice of you, but that’s not necessary. I’m willing...to be your woman without it.”

He slowly took the steps and came to the tub. Riggs wagged his tail, sending water flying into Amelia’s face. She stood, wiping her eyes, and hoped for a favorable reaction from Ned. Maybe he’d even kiss her. In hopeful anticipation, she waited.

“Amelia, I guess it’s no secret what’s between us. It’s crept up rather fast, I’ll admit. However, I never thought I’d say this, but I take offense by your assumption that all I’m good for is taking advantage of a woman, that I’d think nothing of ruining your reputation.”

“But you’re a renegade, you’re a man who doesn’t stay put anywhere. You ride with the wind.”

He stood close enough that she could see his frown.

“I’ll admit I haven’t set down roots,” he said, “but, as I told you, I’m changing that with my purchase of the Parker place. And, one of these days, I’m lookin’ to get married.”

“I don’t want to get married.”

“Well, good, ’cuz I’m not asking you.”

“Oh.” Now she felt foolish.

Available at Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited

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